Jamie Shaw, 17 years:
Q: What have been the most valuable parts of your years as an educator?
A: The most valuable parts of my years as an educator have been the students. I would not do anything differently because of the time I have had with them. I have also enjoyed spending time with friends that I have made over the years here at school.
Q: If anything, what have you learned from your students?
A: I have learned a lot from my students, the most important is being able to laugh at myself and to not take things and myself so seriously.
Q: What do you plan on doing with your time after retiring?
A: After retiring, I plan to visit family, relax, and play with my 5-year-old grandson. I will enjoy the fact that I will have no more paperwork with a deadline. I will miss my friends and my students here at Bryant High School.
Toni Naugle, 38 years:
Q: What have been the most valuable parts of your years as an educator?
A: Starting 38 years ago in special education, before students with disabilities were allowed in public school, to see that they are now a part of the school system, accepted in the community, and have resources available to become productive members of their community, as well as afforded the rights given to every citizen.
It is more than just helping students to process academics; it’s about giving them the independence to learn and interpret their surroundings in a way they can understand.
Q: If anything, what have you learned from your students?
A: The students have taught me the meaning of unconditional love, enjoying the small things life has to offer, to not sweat the big stuff. Look at each day as a new beginning.
Q: What do you plan on doing with your time after retiring?
A: Hope to be able to travel more, spend time on my houseboat and continue my involvement with Special Olympics, community service for people with developmental disabilities. Remembering my lessons learned-to enjoy one day at a time.
Jim Wright, 25 ½ years:
Q: What have been the most valuable parts of your years as an educator?
A: Being able to help those students who have had a hard time making things work in a large school system and seeing them succeed is my greatest reward.
Q: If anything, what have you learned from your students?
A: That is the thing, I learn something everyday from my students and it makes me a better person. The main thing is how to cope with other people’s problems.
Q: What do you plan on doing with your time after retiring?
A: I will first take care of my parents and my wife’s parents, and then I will do something that I enjoy and that is farming and traveling.
Donna Elmore, 27 years:
Q: What have been the most valuable parts of your years as an educator?
A: Working with students and trying to make a positive difference in their lives. And, working along side great educators that have become life-long friends.
Q: If anything, what have you learned from your students?
A: I have learned to expect the unexpected. I have also learned to never judge a book by its cover. Students carry a lot of stuff within them, and getting to know who they really are is truly a gift.
Q: What do you plan on doing with your time after retiring?
A: My sister and I are opening a new business. Two Peas in a Pod Flea Market and More. This will give me an opportunity to do two things I love to do…shop and decorate.
Carrell Holland, 41 years:
Q: What have been the most valuable parts of your years as an educator?
A: I have worked in four different school districts and have made many friends. It is a joy to meet students from the past who are now adults and to see them being successful at their chosen occupation.
Q: If anything, what have you learned from your students?
A: It has amazed me many times what students can do and are doing outside of school. I have learned that you just don’t know what others are capable of doing until you get to know them and find out.
Q: What do you plan on doing with your time after retiring?
A: My plans are to do lots of exercise…walking, golf, basketball, etc. Also, I plan to play with my two granddaughters and take them places.
Vesta Holland, 40 years:
Q: What have been the most valuable parts of your years as an educator?
A: I have been privileged to work with hundreds of students over the years, and I am still in touch with several of them. I also have made lifetime friends with many faculty members throughout the years.
Q: If anything, what have you learned from your students?
A: No matter what, every student deserves to be accepted and encouraged.
Q: What do you plan on doing with your time after retiring?
A: First, I will have to learn how to live without setting an alarm clock and going by a bell schedule. I do plan to spend more time with my family, especially my 3 and 5-year-old granddaughters, do some traveling and get involved in all kinds of volunteer work.
